Butterviews

EQUATION: I was recently contacted by the Old Barn Rescue Company to review a wall decal product of my choice.

From the company’s “About” page:

When Jan’s dad told her he needed to tear down their childhood barn she couldn’t stand the thought of all that beautiful weathered, 120-year-0ld wood going to waste. She and her good friend, Adonna, started creating and, voila, Old Barn Rescue Company was born. In the fall of 2008, due to the popularity of Adonna’s hand-lettering, we began Old Barn Rescue Company’s Wall Graphic Division. Now you can have Adonna’s gorgeous writing on your wall without the added cost of her visiting your home to do it herself!

As you can see, Old Barn Rescue is still creating one-of-a-kind wall decor from up-cycled doors, windows, furniture and molding. We love finding just the right door knob or hook, and getting our hands dirty digging for the perfect treasure to finish a piece. You’ll find all kinds of wonderful, eco friendly decor in our Old Barn Rescue section of this site. Check back often though as they fly off the shelves!

We also love the versatility and ease of the cut vinyl. Adonna is always coming up with new wall graphic designs, most of which are hand-drawn, making them unlike anything else out there. She is always being asked, “Where did you buy your fonts?” Her hand-lettering now graces the walls of many a nursery and bedroom, kitchen and bath, classroom and storefront. As two MWK’s (mom’s with kids) we enjoy being creative and are committed to making sure you, the customer, love what we create.

I chose the “Home Sweet Home” decal. The pictures, unfortunately, don’t do it justice. They were taken on my phone as I don’t have a camera right now. The colors I chose were black for “Home Sweet Home” and red for the background “Home.”

Farther Away

MINUS: It really took me a while to figure out how to attach it properly, with the words sticking to the paint, instead of trying to stick back to the backing. Because it’s over my piano – and no one can move that thing, it took 3 grown men when we installed the carpet – I was up on a stool bending over the top of the piano. My angle may have had something to do with it. Once I bended the decal all the way over on itself so it was it was flush against the wall, peeling the adhesive off was a breeze. It took me a while to realize that.

Up Close

EQUALS: A definite positive review. It just looks so “right” there. I will definitely be using them if I decide to do words on my walls again.

EQUATION: The Momfluence Network sent me a Nerf Pocket Vortex flying football for their upcoming gift guide for review.  The particular one sent was branded for the Steelers.  The label says “Pocket-Sized Football Fun!  The Farthest Flying Footballs!”  I, alas, do not play with footballs.  So, I tasked the usage to my sons.  Or tried to, anyway – my husband took over instead, and allowed them to play with him.

PLUS: According to my son, Joseph, the football is “Great!  Incredibly awesome!  And I got bonked in the head and it didn’t hurt!”  According to my husband, it turns “awesome,” is easy to throw, and corrects itself.  He also mentioned that when it hits the ground, it flies straight up first, making it easy to retrieve.

MINUS: My son didn’t have any negatives.  My husband said that it could be bigger, to which I replied, “Honey, it’s not made for adults.”  He poo-pooed that notion.

EQUALS: A positive review!  It’s a welcome addition to the outside toys.  My husband enjoyed playing catch with it with the kids – and the kids enjoyed playing with it.  At only $3.99 at Amazon – you cannot go wrong.

Out of the Box Publishing sent me Back Seat Drawing Junior to review with my kids.

EQUATION:  Out of the Box Publishing creates innovative party, card and board games that provide fresh, fun and engaging ways to enjoy time with friends and family. Games that:

* can be learned in minutes.
* are colorfully illustrated and fun to play.
* can easily be played in less than an hour.
* are efficiently designed in smart packaging.
* feature dynamic player interaction from start to finish.

In Back Seat Drawing Junior Players race to identify a drawing done by the “artist”— but the artist doesn’t know what he or she is drawing!  It’s up to the “director” to tell the artist how to draw the picture without giving away the name of the item shown on the picture card.

My kids, husband, and I sat down and played two games worth.

PLUS:  The kids “got it” immediately, once explained to them.  It was extremely interesting to see their thought process as they explained what to draw as the director.  One son, I noticed, was very general in his descriptions and would get frustrated with the artist when they didn’t draw what they had in their head.  The other son was extremely precise.  “Draw one line straight up.  A little shorter.  Good job, that’s perfect.  Now draw another line from the top pointing right.  Exactly.  Now…”  It was hysterical watching him, and his little signs.  They weren’t, however, so good at guessing what was being drawn – but they were trying.

MINUS:  The games were very short.  Probably great if it’s just kids (as it’s intended for.)  The scoring system is such that one person can win in a very short amount of time.  Also, we had a little trouble with the dry-erase markers deciding not to draw if the lid was off for a bit (such as when listening to the Director explain what they want drawn.)

EQUALS:  A positive review.  The kids had a great time, and vociferously demanded we play again.  Of course, it’s too easy for my husband and I, but for the kids, it’s great.  Pictionary fans would probably love this game.  It kept my kids engaged.  It moved fast.  It was understandable for the kids.  I would definitely recommend this one for some good old fashioned family time.  Also – would probably be a great thing to do while waiting on other stuff – for dinner to come out of the oven, that sort of thing.

This opinions in this review are my own.  I was sent the game gratis.

Safety Tat recently sent me their product to use and review.  Scroll to the bottom for a discount code especially for my readers!

EQUATION: Safety Tats are temporary tattoos designed to be better able to locate your child – or have your child/adult locate you for that matter.  They come as writable, or custom made.  Safety Tat sent me both.  The custom ones came with my cel phone number pre-printed on them.

I wouldn’t use them as an every day thing, but figured it would be perfect for a family outing.  I held on to them for the right opportunity, and last weekend that opportunity cropped up.  My family and I went to the L.A. County Fair.  Lots of people, big new place – perfect.

PLUS: They went on easy.  They stayed put.  We used the custom pre-printed ones, so I haven’t used the writables.  We didn’t put sunscreen on the tat itself, but I’m sure that the sunscreen from the surrounding area made it’s way onto the tat, but didn’t effect in in the least.  It was clear and readable.  We even used the “Medical Condition” one on my youngest.  He has a medic-alert bracelet, and figured we’d be extra clear since we were using them anyway.  The didn’t make the kids’ skin itchy, which was a concern of mine as my oldest son has very sensitive skin.

MINUS: I actually don’t have a minus.  I usually like to give constructive criticism whether I like the product or not – how else will companies know what the consumer would like improved?  However, in this case…  I got nothin’.

EQUALS: A positive review.  I am definitely keeping the leftovers, and when those are gone buying more.  The truth is – I’m not sure if my kids will panic and forget my phone number.  They don’t use the phone all that much (Yet.  Heh.)  I feel an added sense of security of my phone number being right there for either me or the adult that helps them if they get lost.  Bottom line – this is a product that adds a layer of security in going out with my kids, and is a product that does exactly what it is meant to do.

EXTRA CREDIT: Just for my readers…  A special coupon code!  If you want to receive 15% off your order of $15 or more, use Butterviews10.  Note – it must be typed as seen, and it’s case sensitive.

I have another one from the people at the One2One Network. They sent me the new Yanni Voices [CD/DVD] to review. I should add that it comes with both a CD and a DVD – I’m just reviewing the CD.

EQUATION: Yanni – a memorable name in instrumentals and composition is known for his sweeping music. This time around, he threw a curveball… He has brought vocals to the forefront. The CD takes some of his classic stuff as well as new music – but introduces four vocalists: Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas, and Leslie Mills. All of them were discovered and mentored by Yanni. The album was released on March 24th. The Yanni Voices world tour kicks off in the U.S. on April 10th.

PLUS: There’s music and then there’s music. Due to my background, I’ll admit, I’m biased to this kind of orchestral music. I just am – can’t get around that. The composition is gorgeous, the instrumentals amazingly executed, and the vocalists are so talented I’m surprised we’ve not heard of them until now. There’s a little of everything tempo wise, so it’s not the same feel throughout. Each piece feels as though it’s a complete story – so when you move on to the next, it really feels like a new story. As for the individual tracks – while all of it is great: Track 1, Omaggio (Tribute), made me cry. Tracks 3 & 4, Our Days and Never Leave the Sun, both made me want to dance for my husband. Track 5, Before the Night Ends, is just plain beautiful.

MINUS: I’m not sure if it’s a plus or minus, but my husband listened to it with me, and his response was, “You can’t tell it’s Yanni.” The other minus I would say is – really – you’ve got to love it. I don’t think it’s a “so-so” kind of thing. I think you’ll either love it or hate it, it feels like that kind of extreme to me.

EQUALS: A positive review. A rave, actually. I simply love this CD.

Ballas Hough Band

The wonderful peeps at the One2One Network sent me the newly released Ballas Hough Band CD to review.

EQUATION: You all know all about Dancing with the Stars. What you may not know is that Mark Ballas and Derek Hough – two of the professional dancers paired with the stars – sing too! So – not only are they great teachers and dancers (they’ve each led their partners to victory) they’ve got this side gig going and recently released a CD, the self titled Ballas Hough Band, on March 10th. Maybe you can’t call it a side gig. They’ve been making music together for over 10 years. They wrote over half the songs themselves, and “Do it for You” was cowritten with American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. The Ballas Hough Band will be hitting the road for a national US tour in the summer of ’09, and the One2One Network is getting them some much deserved attention. Along with those two headliners, you’ve got: Emily Grace (keyboard/vocals), Sam Marder (bass), and Harry Sullivan (drums).

The track listing for BHB is as follows:
1. Do You Love Me
2. Devastated
3. Closer
4. She Was The One
5. Longing For
6. Birthday
7. Fall
8. Do It For You
9. Breakthrough
10. Together Faraway
11. Underwater

You can follow them on facebook, MySpace, and their website.

As for the review – I should tell you where I’m coming from.  First – I have eclectic tastes.  I like a little bit of everything, and while I don’t play any more for a host of reasons, I’m trained in clarinet, flute, piano, and pit percussion.  I’ve played everything from the classics, to marches, to scores, to pop.  So – I listen to everything, but I always have a different spin on things.

PLUS: It’s catchy.  It’s really catchy.  It’s pop-y.  I found myself bouncing my head before a lot of the songs really got started.  It’s musically sound.  They can sing.  For me – this would be perfect music to clean to.  I know that doesn’t sound like a plus – but it is in my head.  It’s something that I can get things done to.  It’s a bit boy-bandish which could be a plus or a minus.  I can’t decide which category THAT little tidbit should go in, but hey – boy bands can rock it, so I’m putting it on the plus side.

MINUS: It’s a little bit formulaic.  There’s no surprises here.  I hesitate to say this – but I think that they may attract a younger demographic.  I’m not saying ‘tweens young – but say early 20′s females.  That’s not necessarily a minus, but it does limit their reach.

EQUALS: I think that this is a fine starting effort.  They’ve all been playing together forever, so I think they’re going to go through some growing pains finding their market and making their true voices shine.  But if they plow through and do the work, they can really come through to become a successful band that lasts.   So, all in all – I’m keeping the CD, and giving them a positive review!

Barielle Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion

Equation:

When the PR rep for Barielle contacted me about a potential product review, I immediately suggested their Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion.  I have very dry, itchy, flaky skin (emphasis on itchy), especially this time of year, and I’m always on the hunt for something that works.

From their website:

Restores, Hydrates & Nourishes Dry Skin, Absorbs Odor

A unique formula that will bring out the natural glow of your skin. This lotion also serves as a cleansing agent and odor absorber. Enriched oils and mango seed butter will leave your skin smooth and silky to the touch. Fresh citrus scent.

Size: 6 oz. / 170 gm.

Use: Massage into hands & body after bathing or as often as desired.

For Best Results: Massage into damp skin to seal in surface moisture.

Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Green Tea, Aloe, Vitamin E

Barielle – “Your source for beauty from tips to toes” – caters to skin and nail care.  They even have a Problem/Solution section to their website.

Plus:

When I use things to review here, I tend to use them a while, to really get a feel for the product over time.  In other words, I don’t just put the lotion on my hands, and then write the review.  I mean, I want to tell you if I use it for a week, and my skin turns green or something.  So I appreciate that Barielle did indeed send me a full size to use.  I’ve been using this product for several weeks now.  It even traveled to Blissdom ’09 with me, so I’ve now used it sick, well, in two states, not to mention air travel.  It’s thicker than most lotions out there.  So, it’s not drippy, and feels as though it coats well.  It really does the job for me in terms of my itchy skin.  The scent is wonderful.  It’s “fresh citrus” but my husband insists it’s kiwi.  It’s fresh, light, and not cloying.  I’ve nearly used the whole body.

Minus:

It IS thicker, and so you might use more than you would a more thinned lotion.  Because of this, the price is a little high in my opinion for the quantity.  I have highly sensitive skin, and I did break out a little bit after a couple of days.  However, a couple of days after that, the breaking out was gone, so I have a feeling it was a frequent issue I have with new products…  Just needed to break it in.

Equals:

A positive review.  I really liked the product.  Would I purchase it?  I don’t know.  Let’s face it – I’m cheap.  It’s a little pricey for the quantity – but you don’t have to purchase from their website.  They have other locations you can search on, and perhaps buying it retail would be cheaper depending on the store.  I didn’t find this particular product on Amazon, but I did find other Barielle products.  If I found it cheaper, I would certainly purchase it.  If you do?  You won’t be sorry.

I was shipped one full Cascade Complete and one full Electrasol Advanced liquid dishwasher detergent, and asked to complete a comparison test.

Because this is a comparison, I won’t do my usual equation form of review.

Basically, this gave me an opportunity. You see, my dishes have been coming out of the dishwasher scuzzy with soap residue. That white stuff, that I’m never sure is soap or hardwater stains? So – since my usual dishwasher soap is called, “whatever’s on sale that I have a coupon for,” I thought this would be a great chance to pay attention. Is it the soap? Or is it my dishwasher?

I needed to clean up the kitchen. While I did so, rinsing dishes, wiping counters, etc, I separated the dishes into two loads, fairly similar in size. I put the first load through with the Cascade, and the second through with the Electrasol.

So. The verdict? I hate to be so blah about the whole thing… but I did NOT notice a difference between the two. Seriously. AND I had the same soap scummy stuff on it – which tells me it’s my dishwasher.

Since I cannot give you a definitive “Buy This One!”, I checked out the prices, thinking I could give you a better price! Because I’m nice that way! But I CANNOT. The prices (at vons.com for today anyway) were exactly the same, same size, and price per ounce.

What this comes down to, I think, is personal preference.

On this review, I was shipped the full contents free of charge, however, no monetary compensation was received.

This book is basically about a woman coming to terms with her past, her family, her boyfriend, and other secrets along the way. It’s a great read. It wasn’t formulaic at all – and caught me by surprise. In fact I stayed up until almost 2am last night – when I had to work today. I hardly ever do that, I need my rest too much for getting through work and the kids. I couldn’t put it down.

I’m looking forward to reading her second novel.

Overall Review: Positive